The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros enter the Southland Conference Tournament as the No. 3 seed, setting the stage for a clash with the No. 6 Northwestern State Demons. The matchup marks the beginning of a tournament run that has already captured the imagination of fans across the region.
UTRGV’s history against Northwestern State is modest, holding a 3‑8 all‑time record, yet the Vaqueros have proven resilient in tournament settings, having secured victories as the No. 3 seed in both the 2021 and 2023 Western Athletic Conference Tournaments. Their overall 15‑29 record in Division I conference play underscores a program that continues to punch above its weight.
Among the standouts is senior hitter Armani Raygoza, who has become the first player in Southland Conference history to earn multiple Player of the Year awards. Joining him, Rocco Garza Gongora leads the team in doubles this season, while a deep roster featuring Easton Moomau, Sergio Lopez, Kike Cienfuegos and others provides depth and versatility.
The Vaqueros’ season has also been defined by attendance milestones. The program recorded its second‑best attended season in history, highlighted by a record crowd of 6,588 fans against Texas Tech. Six games this year have drawn crowds of 5,000 or more, reflecting a growing enthusiasm that mirrors the team’s on‑field progress.
A season of milestones
From historic player accolades to packed stands, the Vaqueros are turning a promising campaign into a landmark chapter for the program, one that could reverberate throughout the Southland Conference and beyond.